From AFP

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim Thursday proposed an alternative budget plan to restore confidence in the country’s economy amid a global downturn and expected low growth rates.

Anwar produced a 20-page document that proposes slashing government expenditure on mega-projects and opening up public tenders while spending more on areas that provide direct help to the people.

“Our recommendations, if implemented properly, will steer the country through the turbulence ahead,” Anwar told reporters on the sidelines of the annual budget debate in parliament.

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Malaysiakini | October 22, 2008

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today hit out at his detractors, especially those who questioned his track record as finance minister, saying he was responsible for having passed one of the largest allocations ever recorded for Sabah, during his tenure.

During the debate which followed Johari Abdul’s (PKR-Sungai Petani) speech, in which Johari had slammed the government for failing to help bumiputeras, Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) intervened to ask about Anwar’s role during his time in government.

“What did the opposition leader do (for bumiputeras) during his eight years as finance minister?” asked Abdul Rahman.

Unfazed by Johari’s assertions – that he (Johari) and Anwar, among others, had struggled against corruption and nepotism until the latter’s sacking from Umno in 1998 and were punished for it – Abdul Rahman repeated his challenge, saying “Can you just answer the question?”

At this point, Anwar stood up and took leave from Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia to answer Abdul Rahman himself.

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